ssssss5

Posts Tagged ‘Craft Beer’

Food Talks Volume 6

March 11th, 2013 admin

Food Talks Vol 6 Speakers (from left to right) Themis Velgis, Shab Samimi, Mark Simpson, Julia Smith, James Coleridge & Marcus Von Albrecht (photo by Dianne Chow)

On February 12th we presented the sixth Food Talks Vancouver event that featured a selection of  inspirational speakers from our food community.

The evening began as guests mingled over delicious canapés from the chef Simon McNeil and his team at Dockside in the Granville Island Hotel.

Canapes included: Fire roasted chili prawns with garlic Ancho jelly, Irish Dubliner & glazed pear lollies with house quince butter, Mini Banh Mi Sliders with hoisin mayo & siracha smear, petite pistachio financiers.

Each guest received two sampler-sized Dockside craft beers of their choice to enjoy with the appetizers while mingling before the speakers talked.

Our 5 Speakers:

James Coleridge – Founder & Maestro of Bella Gelateria

Julia Smith – Founder of Urban Diggs Farm

Mark Simpson – Brewmaster of Dockside Brewing Company & Founder of Artisan Food and Beverage Group Inc

Marcus Von Albrecht – Chef & President of Mava Foods and Von Albrecht & Associates

Chef Themis Velgis and Shahab Samimi – Co-Founders of Pura Sweeteners

There was a Q & A following the speakers where guests had a chance to ask questions and engage with the speakers.

James Coleridge of Bella Gelateria created a custom flavour using one of Mark Simpson’s Dockside Beers the Dark Lager and they collaborated, guests were fortunate to enjoy a scoop of this exclusive local Sorbetto.

Thank you to Dianne Chow for taking the photos, as well as our Videographer Geoff Peters, and our volunteers Caro and Taylor.

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Latest, Vancouver Foodster Events Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

Opening The Portside Pub

January 28th, 2013 admin

Last night I attended the opening party of The Portside Pub in Gastown.  This is Gastown’s newest pub and music venue, a historic, three-level, Portside Pub located at 7 Alexander Street has been built with the traditional east coast pub culture as its inspiration.

Portside is the latest undertaking by entrepreneur Mark Brand, owner of Save On Meats. In renovating the old Post Modern space, Brand set out to celebrate the beauty of the original historic Gastown building. Sandblasted walls and old exposed brick and timbers are juxtaposed with some of the latest technology in beer drinking. One of only a few medium sized venues in the city, Brand hopes it will be a new hub for the local music scene.

Guests sampled bites of spicy chicken, brisket and pulled pork along with other appies. Beer was flowing from all of the 48 taps both at the upstairs bar as well as the downstairs bar, there were special taps casked from Howe Sound Brewery and Driftwood Brewery.

Overseeing the pub’s beer program will be the Portside’s very own Cicerone, or beer sommelier, Aja Tylor. Tylor will be managing the pub’s 24 craft beers, which will pump through 48 taps split over three levels. The beers will range from locally sourced favourites including the lager and IPA from Victoria based Phillips Brewery, as well as international brews like the Belgium Palm Amber Ale, Erdinger Weissbier Dunkel, and Delirium Tremens.

The Portside Pub is located at 7 Alexander Street in Gastown. Phone them at (604) 569-3568 x4 or visit www.facebook.com/ThePortsidePub and follow them on Twitter @ThePortsidePub

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Latest, Openings Tags: , , , No Comments »

THE PARLOUR RESTAURANT

January 16th, 2013 admin

1011 Hamilton St, Vancouver

Tel: 604-568-3322    |

Web: www.theparlourrestaurants.com

Twitter: @ParlourYaletown

Advice: They offer take out and delivery for all of their pizzas.

As a pizza lover I am always yearning to visit the new pizza joint on the block or in this case in the Yaletown neighborhood. With only weeks under their belt so to speak, there is now that spot, a good  pizza oriented restaurant with an open concept kitchen serving comfort food dishes. The lounge area features chocolate-hued leather booth seating, high-tops and a striking 20 foot-long reclaimed wood bar that emulates a giant cask.  The Parlour’s decor features plenty of heirloom pieces, old-fashioned curiosities, unique custom artwork and salvaged CN rail-ties transformed into a statement making wine rack.

Salmon Tartare

Caesar Salad

Brocco

Paulina Taylor was my dining companion for the night and we shared many dishes together. To start we had the beautifully presented Salmon Tartare ($14) Steelhead, Seaweed, Bonito, Sesame Seeds, Macadamia Nuts, Ponzu Aioli, and Micro Cilantro; followed by the Caesar Salad ($9) Maple Bacon, Roasted Garlic, Butter Croutons, Parmesan; and the Brocco ($9) Garlic, Shallots, Jalapeño, Pine Nuts, Sweet Soy Sauce.

Goldmember

#Swag (front) & Roasted (back)

The Dirty

Following our appetizers we conquered our pizza selection which was vast, we ordered 3 whole pizzas which are rectangle shape and fairly large (usually meant for 1 person). My favourite of them all was the Goldmember ($17) Caramelize Onion, Mushroom Duxelle, Yukon Gold Potato, Truffle Oil, Gruyere; followed by my second favourite the #Swag ($17) Ricotta, Roasted Pepper, Kalamata Olive, Caramelized Onion, Roasted Garlic, Golden Honey (we happened to get one pizza as a halfer, so the Swag went halfer with the Roasted); and the Roasted with Roasted Chicken, Roasted Garlic, Sundried Tomato, Basil, Chili Flake, Mozza. Lastly The Dirty ($17) Meatball, Xtra Pepperoni, Banana Pepper, Mozza gave us our fill of meat from all of the different pizzas.

You’ll find even more pizzas to try from the long list on the menu, you’ll also find an extensive selection of craft beer available on tap and by the bottle, inventive cocktails and both wine by bottle, as well as seven varietals on tap.

I’m heading back soon for a repeat and this time it’s going to be a whole #Swag pizza just for me!

Review By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Yaletown Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment »

Tap & Barrel Opening

October 15th, 2012 admin

Serving Pretzels

On October 9th, I attended the opening party celebration In The Village on False Creek.

Upstairs Bar

The location has one of the best views of the city along with two large outdoor patios, one on the main floor and the other upstairs. Inside the bar on the main floor is a stunning centrepiece that features an extensive selection of beer and wine on tap. They even have a lending library full of books which works on an honour system, come by and find a book you like and read while you are eating or drinking or take the book home.

There are over 23 beers on tap along with an extensive selection of beer by the bottle, there is also well over 15 selections of wine on tap as well as an extensive wine list. You can even bring in your own wine bottle and pay the corkage for the privilege.

Daniel Frankel – Proprietor of Tap & Barrel

Proprietor Daniel Frankel was on hand to greet guests to his wonderful restaurant & bar.

Fish & Chips

Mini-Burgers

Guests mingled over their home-baked Pretzels, Burgers, Fish & Chips and other dishes off their menu while drinking Craft Brews and Wine from their Wine on Tap system.

Tap & Barrel is located at 1 Athletes Way in Vancouver and are open daily for lunch and dinner as well as brunch on weekends. You can find them on twitter @tapandbarrel

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Latest, Openings Tags: , , , , , , No Comments »

Vancouver Craft Beer Week May 18-26

April 13th, 2012 admin

Vancouver Craft Beer Week is taking place May 18-26 at many restaurants, pubs and other locals all over the city.  They are offering 9 Headliner events, 6 Opening Acts, 36 Neighbourhood Gigs, and 12+ week-long specials dedicated to all things craft beer.

Ticket sales and full details for all their rockstar worthy gatherings can be found in the Events and Specials pages. Make sure to check out their 60+ participating Breweries.

Some of the noteworthy experiences include:

Saturday May 19 at 7pm

Opening Act: Island to Island Beer Pairing Dinner

Edible BC

$75

Tickets Here

Sunday May 20 at 7pm

Neighbourhood Gig + Kits: R&B Six Course Culinary Adventure

Kitsilano Daily Kitchen

$65

Tickets Here

Sunday May 20 at 6pm

Neighbourhood Gig + Steveston: Odin Brewing Brewmaster’s Dinner

Hogshack

$35

Reservations required, please call 604 272 7264

Monday May 21 at 6pm

Headliner: Biercraft Belgian Showcase

Biercraft

$75

Tickets Here

Tuesday May 22 at 6pm

Headliner: Clough Club Presents 1st Annual Battle of the Bartender Beer Cocktail Competition

Clough Club

$60

Tickets Here

Tuesday May 22 at 7pm

Opening Act: Deschutes Brewing Beer Pairing Dinner

Biercraft Cambie

$60

Tickets Here

Tuesday May 22 at 6:30pm

Neighbourhood Gig + Gastown: Driftwood Brewing Brewmaster’s Dinner

Pourhouse

$55

Call 604 568 7022 for reservations.

Wednesday May 23 at 7:30pm

Headliner: Cicerone vs Sommelier

Irish Heather Long Table

$100

Tickets Here 

Wednesday May 23 at 6pm

Opening Act: Howe Sound Rock Show

Vancouver Urban Winery

$25

Tickets Here

Wednesday May 23 at 6pm

Neighbourhood Gig + Kits: Dockside Cask & BBQ Party

Dockside

$20

For tickets please visit Dockside Restaurant or purchase over the phone at 604 685 7070.

Thursday May 24 at 5pm

Neighbourhood Gig + Downtown: Beer Meets Meat at Dunn’s Famous

Dunn’s Famous

$9.99

No reservations required, just show up and enjoy!

For the complete schedule of events view here.

By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Culinary News, Latest, Pairing Dinners Tags: , , , No Comments »

HIDDEN TASTING BAR

May 26th, 2011 admin

433 Robson Street, Vancouver

Tel: 604-647-2521

Web:  http://starwood.webcanada.com/restaurant/?rid=5190

Twitter: @hiddenvancouver

Advice: Go with a friend and share the dishes. Located inside the Westin Grand Hotel on the 2nd floor.

Hidden off of Robson, off the hotel lobby is a somewhat secluded room awaiting your discovery. My friend Nikki joined me for dinner the other night, to enjoy some of their Libations, Hops and Cravings. First of all the menu is very well thought out, it is about having fun and amusing your palate.

Fancy Nancy

The Hef

Inukshuk Onion Rings

Cantaloupe Salad

It was the Libations aka cocktails first and she had the Fancy Nancy ($11) chambord, raspberry vodka, orange, cranberry, pineapple, lime; I had The Hef ($10) vanilla vodka, ginger liqueur, triple sec, pineapple, fizzy stuff. Then it was on to sharing a couple of their starters, we had the Inukshuk Onion Rings ($6) with a delicious smoked ketchup and a refreshing Cantaloupe Salad ($11) with goats cheese, tarragon & crispy prosciutto.

Lobster Poutine

Grilled Brie Cheese Sandwich

Baked Sautéed Bay Scallop Mac ‘n Cheese

Seared Black Cod

We then changed our liquids direction and went into the Hops, Nikki had the Fruili ($7) strawberry, belgian fruit, (Belgium) beer and I had the Kronenbourg 1664 ($7) white beer (France). Then it was on to sharing a few more dishes, we had the Lobster Poutine ($10) made with thick potato wedges, cheese and chunks of lobster; then the most delicious Grilled Brie Cheese Sandwich ($12), with short rib and cranberry purée; followed by the Baked Sautéed Bay Scallop Mac ‘n Cheese ($15) this dish although tasty had me a bit confused, the scallops served on the side should have been inside the Mac & Cheese; and the Seared Black Cod ($13) with an outstanding brown butter cauliflower puree, asparagus and fennel salad, lemon caper vinaigrette.

Oreo Cookie Cheesecake

Orange Infused Chocolate Tart

To finish our meal and further tempt our tastebuds we shared a couple of house-made desserts the Oreo Cookie Cheesecake ($8) and a stellar dessert that ranks high up on my favourite desserts list, Orange Infused Chocolate Tart ($8) topped with a maple gelato which was divine.

There is an ever evolving craft brew list that is global inspiring, a large wine list and inventive cocktail list and great music beats in the background. Go exploring and check out this hideway!

Review By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Downtown Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

BLUE CANOE RESTAURANT

May 15th, 2011 admin

140 – 3866 Bayview Street, Richmond

Tel: 604-275-7811

Web: www.bluecanoerestaurant.com

Twitter: @bluecanoeresto

Advice: has an extensive craft beer list, beer pairings can be added to your meal for an additional cost. Tasters of beers ranged in price by the type of beer.

Salt Spring Island Mussels

Located on the waterfront with a patio that overlooks the marina in Steveston Village, I came with an appetite for seafood, had dinner on the heated patio with a great view of the boats and the sun setting in the West. To start off my meal I had the fresh and tasty Salt Spring Island Mussels ($12) with Red Racer Extra Special Beer, mint, dill, basil, lemon zest and grapefruit oil in the broth, topped with thin crispy French fries, they paired the dish with a taster of the Red Racer ESB as well as a taster of the Paired with Anchor Steam Beer.

Halibut Collar

Local Salmon in a Jar

Sous-Chef Kylo Hoy then prepared his house speciality Halibut Collar ($15) with a delicious citrus drawn butter with pickled garlic, a speciality dish that isn’t always on the menu. The Halibut was paired with a taster of the North Coast Le Mere, a farmhouse ale. Next up was a dish that I had eaten on my last visit, unique and delish is the Local Salmon in a Jar ($13) it is course salmon pate served with caper and tasty almond biscuits, paired with Red Racer white ale.

Beef Braised Chili

Beef Short Rib

Chef suggested that I try another speciality which was the outstanding and perfectly paired Beef Braised Chili ($17) served with lime salted corn chips and corn bread topped with a dollop of sour cream, this dish paired with Angry Boy Brown Ale (Baird Brewery of Japan). The next dish was the delectable Beef Short Rib ($11) Ale braised, mustard and chilli mash, house made onion rings; paired with Driftwood Ale.

Peanut Butter Pie

Although quite full from the delicious meal I had a half slice of their Peanut Butter Pie made with peanut butter ice cream for dessert.

You’ll find an extensive menu of seafood favourites including fish, shellfish, oysters, as well as steaks, and social plates for sharing. The beer list has over 47 beers on their ever evolving menu. The chefs are creative and full of ideas to create unique dishes, service is exceptional and the bartenders are knowledgeable in their craft, I’m already looking forward to my return visit.

Review By: Richard Wolak

Posted in Richmond Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

HOG SHACK COOK HOUSE

March 13th, 2011 admin

160-3900 Bayview Street, Richmond

Tel: 604-272-7264

Web: www.hogshack.ca

Twitter: @hogshackca

Advice: Share one of their BarbQ platters if you dine with friends so that you can try all of their BarbQ. They specialize in Kansas City style of BarbQ.

Poutine

Mammoth Platter

Cornbread, Yam Fries, Potato Wedges, Coleslaw, Baked Beans

I have always loved BarbQ especially when travelling in the Southern USA, I recently dined with my friend Julie Ovenell-Carter who is a travel writer and one who loves good BarbQ as well. We were both impressed by their Craft Beer list and our server Joana who was well versed in the beer on hand and which beer would be best with their dishes. at the Hog Shack. We took our servers lead, Julie had the Immortal IPA (India Pale Ale) from Seattle’s Elysian Brewing and I had the Tree Brewing Cut Throat Pale Ale. We then shared an order of their Poutine ($7) hand cut potato fries, cheese curds and gravy, and then it was time to dig in to our sharing feast. All eyes were on the table when our Mammoth Platter ($45.50 serves two) arrived featuring a selection of their Dinosaur Beef Bones, Smoked Beef Brisket, Baby Back Ribs, St. Louise Side Ribs, Pulled Pork and Chicken Legs that was served with a selection of sides which included their delicious house made corn bread, yam fries, potato wedges, coleslaw and baked beans. They have a vast menu of all sorts of dishes such as Tacos, Schnitzels, Sandwiches, Burgers, Pasta, Salads and Seafood, however BarbQ is the focus and that is what you should order.

Review by: Richard Wolak

Posted in Richmond Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment »

  • Our Events

    eventbrite 1

    Purchase tickets here!

  • Sponsors

  • General Info

echo get_option('motion_footer') . "\n";